Thoroughbred horse racing at Vancouver’s historic Hastings Racecourse is ending immediately after more than a century, as operator Great Canadian Entertainment cited the lack of economic feasibility to continue. This decision follows the provincial government’s announcement to stop sharing slot-machine revenue—previously around $8-10 million annually—with racetrack-adjacent casinos starting in 2026. The government redirected these funds to general revenue for public services, citing fiscal constraints and an unsustainable funding model without increased spending.

The loss of slot revenue has been criticized by industry representatives and workers, who say it directly caused the closure and threatens thousands of jobs across the horse racing community. The union representing racecourse workers expressed frustration over the lack of consultation before the funding cut. Meanwhile, the future of the Hastings site remains uncertain, with a potential sale of the casino business to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and discussions about possibly repurposing the area for a soccer stadium. With Hastings closing and Surrey’s Fraser Downs also shut down, British Columbia no longer has an operational horse racing track.